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News from BioBlitz 2010

This past weekend, April 30-May 1, marked the fourth annual BioBlitz. If you’ve been following the My Wonderful Blog for the past couple years, you’ll be familiar with the concept behind this 24-hour species inventory that is part scientific endeavor, part festival and part outdoor classroom.

The 2010 event held at Biscayne Bay National Park was the first ever underwater ‘blitz. More than 1300 students from the Miami area strapped on snorkels and scuba gear to get out in the field–well, ocean–with scientists and identify as many marine organisms as possible–810 by the final count.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Bioblitz this year. But luckily, plenty of my colleagues were there to report on the action!

Below is a selection of my favorite BioBlitz posts from BlogWild, the Nat Geo wire edited by Ford Cochran that follows the Society’s intrepid explorers as they traverse the globe–as well as some of the 9-to-5 part-time explorers who get to tag along from time to time 😉

Later in the week, I’ll have additional posts from Nat Geo Education staffers who worked with school groups at the event analyzing data using our new Fieldscope tool.

1. ‘Spite Highway’ Now a Walk in the WoodsWhat do angry developers do when they lose a battle to do-gooder conservationists? Bulldoze a 6-lane highway through the newly declared wilderness area. Luckily, Mother Nature has a few land reclamation tricks up her sleeve. Learn more about “Spite Highway” and the natural history of Biscayne Bay Park.

2. Kenny Broad’s Biscayne BayThis guy’s green watch, dog-eared National Geographic hat, and infectious smile are more than enough to make me want to watch an interview with the environmental anthropologist and Nat Geo Emerging Explorer.

3. Bring on the ‘botsGirls in science–these high school students take robotics classes–are BIOnic!